3. Ultra-violence

HBO

Speaking of AMC, how visceral and crushingly dark are parts of "Breaking Bad"? How bloody is "Game of Thrones" and "Sons of Anarchy"? By the 34th throat-slit on Season 2 of HBO's "Boardwalk Empire" (pictured), it was clear there's a new standard of TV violence this year. "The Sopranos" now looks quaint.

Speaking of AMC, how visceral and crushingly dark are parts of "Breaking Bad"? How bloody is "Game of Thrones" and "Sons of Anarchy"? By the 34th throat-slit on Season 2 of HBO's "Boardwalk Empire" (pictured), it was clear there's a new standard of TV violence this year. "The Sopranos" now looks quaint. (HBO)

Speaking of AMC, how visceral and crushingly dark are parts of "Breaking Bad"? How bloody is "Game of Thrones" and "Sons of Anarchy"? By the 34th throat-slit on Season 2 of HBO's "Boardwalk Empire" (pictured), it was clear there's a new standard of TV violence this year. "The Sopranos" now looks quaint.